Peloponnese wall lizard (Podarcis peloponnesiacus)

Short answers

Peloponnese wall lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 100×50×60 cm for one animal or a pair; for a group about 15 % more floor space per additional animal.

Peloponnese wall lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot, locally 40–45 °C under the lamp, at night 12–18 °C.

Peloponnese wall lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours).

Peloponnese wall lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Peloponnese wall lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–30 °C

Night temperature

12–18 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot, locally 40–45 °C under the lamp

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 100×50×60 cm for one animal or a pair; for a group about 15 % more floor space per additional animal

Substrate

A sand-loam mix with stone slabs, a dry-stone wall and a few plants

Feeding

Food

Crickets, house crickets, roaches, wax moths and the occasional fruit, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

20–30 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

The Peloponnese, Greece

Protection status

Bern Convention Appendix II — proof of origin required

Brumation

A gentle winter rest of about 6 weeks at around 15 °C, lighting off and no feeding — no cold overwintering at 5 °C. Without this rest, breeding won't happen.

Cohabitation

Pairs (1.1) or 1.2; never keep males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or permanently sits in the corner. Males and females can form a temporary pair bond that lasts beyond the mating season; a second female is possible but means more competition for warmth and hides. Females usually get along but each needs its own basking and hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

One of the largest Podarcis species, powerfully built.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Aeolian wall lizard (Podarcis raffonei) – Expert
• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) – Expert
• Bocage's wall lizard (Podarcis bocagei) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Carbonell's wall lizard (Podarcis carbonelli) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Geniez's wall lizard (Podarcis virescens) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Guadarrama wall lizard (Podarcis guadarramae) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Ionian wall lizard (Podarcis ionicus) – Beginner with some knowledge

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Peloponnese wall lizard (Podarcis peloponnesiacus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×50×60 cm for one animal or a pair; for a group about 15 % more floor space per additional animal), substrate (A sand-loam mix with stone slabs, a dry-stone wall and a few plants), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.